Author's Note: I'm very sorry for the long wait. This chapter was a huge problem to write. I had to rewrite this one 4 different times because none of the previous ones fit. It was a nightmare to rethink of the ideas and trying to see which ones worked. Finally I got it down, sadly I had to divide it up into two different chapters as it would have been too long. Still I thank you all who waited patiently for this. I hope what I have down was worth the wait.

Chapter 8: Lies and Surprises

The wind blew past the teens at a fast pace, as they sored across the sky upon their dragons. The ride was enjoyed in relative peace as no words were exchanged, there was no need for any right now as they enjoyed flying. Hiccup and Toothless were in front leading the riders yet didn't look back unless he had to. This enabled the others to look at one another during flight, they all seemed to speak without words as they neared their destination. They were going to put their plan into action and hope it works out… or it could not and turn the situation even worse than it was already. Yet that didn't deter them, they were Hiccup's friends he would listen to them... Wouldn't he?

"Ok we're almost there," Hiccup announced as the familiar mountain that was dragon island could be seen in the distance. Looking back, he looked upon Astrid, as the rider's silent talks ended. "Ok Astrid, mind telling us what the exercise is now?"

"Not yet, wait till we're on solid land," She cheerfully responded, the other groaning at this. Yet what Hiccup didn't know was that it was a feigned groan. And seemed pretty convincing as she gave an annoyed response. "Oh, come on do give me that."

"Ok, how about-," Tuffnut ended up saying.

"We hate surprises," Ruffnut finished for her brother.

"Come on guys Astrid's exercises aren't so bad," Hiccup responded back as he looked forward, rotating his right shoulder to readjust his Gronkle shield on his back. The teen decided to bring it for added protection, and to help calm him nerves, which didn't help as much. When he woke up that morning, he only had thoughts of bringing his dagger, but then the fears from yesterday came back to stop him. Remembering how his shield saved him multiple times before Hiccup decided to bring it along, as it somewhat put him at ease for the time being.

Mentally shaking his head Hiccup tried to keep focus. It took a lot of will power for him not to show any of his fear to his friends, he has to keep it together. Trying to distract himself he kept his focus on Dragon island as it got closer and closer until the point they all descended down, landing on the rocky shore. Nothing but pebbles littered the ground, yet not too far off was an area full of trees. Despite being a home for dragons there is surprisingly some plant life thriving around the island. Once on the ground they all dismounted their dragons, the riders now gathering up.

"Ok, we're here, now Astrid if you would kindly tell us what you have planned?" Hiccup responded in his cheerful tone, curious then ever as to what Astrid had planned. Yet he frowned as he found his friends all quiet, all of them looking at one another in uncertainty. A red flag went off in his mind as worry started to swell up within the one-legged teen: something is off. "Um, guys… What's going on?"

They all looked at Astrid as none of them didn't want to explain it. Seeing that they were leaving it up to her Astrid stepped forward, mentally taking a deep breath as this is it. Time to sink or swim, "Hiccup… I'm sorry, but there is no exercise."

"What?" he responded back with raised eyes, the statement taking a moment to fully register in his mind as he thought he heard it wrong.

"Hiccup," Fishlegs then spoke up nervously. "As your friends we are all concerned, and we just want to help you."

Hiccup's tired brain started to work out what was going on, slowly it started to dawn on him and to be honest he wasn't sure what to feel. "You… You all tricked me, there was never an exercise planned. You just wanted me away from Berk to-"

"Discuss what has been going on with you," Astrid finished up, she and the riders prepared for the onslaught that was supposed to follow… Well not all of them.

"I thought we were discussing him dealing with his first kill?" Tuffnut said.

"Idiot!" Ruffnut hit her brother as her face wore a scowl. "You were not supposed to say it out right!"

Both of Hiccup's hands clenched into fists, anger building up like a fire as his friends lied to him. First his father, now them, how many more people is he going to lose trust in? Either way Hiccup decided not to even acknowledge them at all and turned towards his Dragon. "I'm out of here."

Yet, to his surprise the Night Fury back up some, shaking his head. 'No, listen to them' he warbled out.

"Toothless, come on, let's go," he tried again to get on, only for the same thing to happen. The Night Fury once more refused to let his rider on. Hiccup is surprised and confused at his dragon's behavior. Was he taking his friends side? Is that why he isn't being allowed to leave? His voice grew tense, and a bit more serious. "Toothless, don't this, not now."

'I'm sorry' Toothless cooed sadly, ears folded back and looking down at the ground in shame. The dragon realized what his human's friends were doing, and he couldn't help but agree with it. His rider needed to talk things out, and if it meant angering Hiccup then so be it. 'this is the only way'

"See even Toothless sees something is wrong," Astrid pointed out, moving closer to her irate friend. "He wants you to be ok, and so do we. We know something is going on with you, why won't you tell us?"

"Because there's nothing to talk about!" Hiccup snapped, finally looking over at his friends. To their surprise the rest of the dragons backed up, sensing the smaller teen's anger. Hiccup ignored this. "I finally got my father off my back about this, and now here you all are taking his place. Killing that Outcast hasn't affected me that much as of late."

"Could have fooled me," Snotlout sarcastically responded, rolling his eyes. But then recoiled some as Hiccup sent him a cold glare, one of which creeped Snotlout out. He wasn't sure why, but it did.

"Besides why would you all even care about this? A year ago, you all wouldn't have even cared. Heck you all would be impressed that I'm dealing with this like an actually Viking!" Hiccup complained more, yet this seemed to strike a nerve with everyone, as their eyes widen in surprise. Why would Hiccup say something like that?

"B-But this isn't the past Hiccup," Fishlegs decided to carry on.

"If it was it would be so cool," Ruffnut said to her brother, who agreed. "Imagine the knowledge we would hold."

"Not the point!" Astrid said, silencing them, before looking back at Hiccup. "Fishlegs is right Hiccup, this is now, and we're concerned. You say you're dealing with this the Viking way, but you're going about it all wrong. What you're doing is slowly destroying yourself. And don't deny that there is nothing wrong."

"We've noticed it over the past few days," Fishlegs added.

"You're more tired than before," Snotlout started.

"You're grouchier," said Ruffnut

"Paranoid," said Tuffnut

"And you don't want help for some reason," Astrid finished. "We can see you want help, but something is holding you back. Just please let us help you, there's nothing wrong with that."

"You all wouldn't understand," Hiccup quickly said back, not wanting to deal with this anymore than he had to. Looking down at his feet his hands clenched, and eyes squeezed shut. He knew they were trying to be honest but if he gave in, he would be bawling his eyes out. No, he couldn't do that, he can't be weak in front of them. "You never had to… And never will.

"Hiccup, why would you say that, of course-"

"Not this time… I'm almost certain," he responded back with uncertainty, looking back at Toothless for a moment. Part of him hopping for some support, but it never came. He then looked back at his friends, not sure what to do at this moment. His frazzled mind all jumbled up as a clear thought couldn't be found. He needed to get away from them, just to sort out some things first.

"Where are you going!?" Astrid called out as they saw their leader walk off.

"I need to think," Hiccup shouted, but then stopped as he heard paw steps. Turning back to find it was Toothless. He gave an angry scowl, "Alone!"

Toothless stopped and whimpered a bit, watching as his human walked off into the nearby trees. He then felt a hand pet him on the head. Looking up he saw it was Astrid, "Don't worry, he'll come around."

'I can only hope,' Toothless could only think.

…..

Hiccup grumbled randomly as he kicked some stones he came across, venting his anger with every kick. He couldn't believe his friends lied about coming here. Not only that but now it seems like Toothless is turning against him! It seems like the teen wasn't going to leave this island unless he talked it out with them, especially with his dragon on their side: he's stuck here. Yet, just because he's trapped on the island didn't mean that he had to be in close range of them.

"Why them? Just when dad finally got off my back," he kicked another stone, watching it sail through the air and into the brush. "Toothless, you're supposed to be on my side… Why can't you see that I just want to forget about… IT!" he went to kick another stone, only to fall down on his face as his prosthetic slipped. A groan of displeasure left him as he remained where he was for a moment. He wasn't sure why, but he just laid there, letting his thoughts process.

The more he started to think about how his father, Gobber and friends were concerned about him made him think. Has he really been acting different enough to warrant it? Has he been blind to it? Toothless must have seen something to warrant his defiance. His dragon would never do anything without a good reason… Which the teen would always listen to. Still, even if he has done something to warrant this kind of concern, he wasn't sure if it was necessary. He was dealing with the mental aspects like a real Viking would. Why couldn't they understand that? If it was before the war ended, then they would be praising him for finally doing what he hadn't been doing. Still, they're trying to get him to open up… Honestly, he couldn't blame them now.

If he were in their boots, then yes, he would be doing the very same thing. Still, he didn't want to deal with this at all right now, especially being caught off guard like this. If they had just came to him back on Berk, the maybe he would have listened… Wouldn't he? Grunting he pushed himself back up to his feet, adjusting his shield before he continued to walk, trying to push all those thoughts from his mind right now. Finding another rock, he kicked it harder, watching it sail into the trees.

*Klang!*

Hiccup froze as an echo hit his ears. One of which sounded like something hitting against metal. "Something hit me!"

A random voice cried out Hiccup scrambled to run for cover but wasn't quick enough as the brush parted and out came an older male, who didn't look all too happy. Not just an ordinary person, an Outcast. Both eyes locked on to him as his sword is then drawn, "Dragon Rider!"

"Oh no," Hiccup gulped as his flight skills took over and he ran, not bothering to look back as he heard multiple shouts. He knew he was being chased, but how many of them was an unknown factor. He had to hide somewhere fast and lose them.

Taking the chance, he looked back and only saw two of them, thankfully. Yet despite being older their weapons seemed to be weighing them down, as opposed to Hiccup who is lighter and much faster despite having only one good foot. Taking a sharp turn, he bolted through some more small trees and dived into a bush. It was tall and full, so it conceals him well, even his shield. Panting some Hiccup then covers his mouth, reducing the sounds he is making and keeping an ear out for the Outcasts to pass. His body trembled as the footsteps got closer and closer. He closed his eyes, did anything to reduce the noses, soon they were right next to him, but then ran off and the footsteps started to fade off. The teen blew a sigh of relief as he knew they ran past him but waited another minute before getting up.

Keeping his eyes forward on where the Outcasts went, Hiccup started to walk backwards as his mind started to process what is going on here. There are Outcasts on Dragon Island, meaning Berserkers could be here as well. And knowing them they wouldn't come to a dangerous island like this without back-up, meaning there are more of them on the island and-

"The others," he gasped out as he realized that his friends didn't know they had company. He needed to get to them, and Toothless. He is realizes that he's completely defenseless without their help… just like what happened back on Berk when Toothless was ensnared in the bolas. He gulped and trembled as he remembered what happened last time and didn't want it happening again. They just needed to mount their dragons and leave before-

"ACK!" Hiccup felt strong arms enclose around his body, his shield being knocked to the ground in the process, as he is lifted off the ground. His torso being squeezed tightly to the point where it nearly cut off his air.

"I see I got Berk's scrawny heir," his captor said, as he tightens his grip, causing a choked gasp to escape Hiccup. Out of instinct his body started struggling, head thrashing about and feet kicking wildly. Thankfully his metal leg came in handy as he kicked, the metal making contact with the man's unprotected shin. "GYAH!"

The grip loosened to the point where Hiccup dropped to the ground. Instantly he grabbed his shield and for some reason took out his knife. He wasn't sure why he had done that; it was like instinct took over and it made him do that. Yet, he didn't put it back either as he backed away as the Outcast is nursing his throbbing shin. Hiccup tried to think fast on what to do as he needed to get away from this guy or disable him in some kind of way.

Running would be a viable option, but he could still be chased by him once he recovered. And not being fast enough would mean he would be caught easily again, and that time he might not escape. Yet, engaging him would be disastrous mainly since he's currently trembling at the mere thought. The last time he took on an enemy it turned out disastrous. All he has is his knife and shield-

That was it! The bolas from his shield could easily tie him down and give him a chance to flee. Still trembling he fumbled with his shield, trying to activate the bola launcher. Looking up he saw the Outcast staring dagger at him as he now started to walk, installing more panic into the teen as he blindly fiddled with his shield. Thankfully he managed to activate his shield in time. Unfortunately, it wasn't the feature he wanted. The grapping rope shot out and wrapped around the older male, completely immobilizing his arms, and stopping him in place.

"Oh no," Hiccup realized his mistake, remembering the first time he tested the shield and did the same thing with Gobber. Since Hiccup is much lighter than the man, as he is currently caught in the rope it only meant one thing. The shield started to retract the rope back at a fast rate, and since the other end won't come back, the shield pulled Hiccup forward fast until the two collided, now only being separated by the shield… But something was wrong.

Right as the shield made contact the Outcast let out a chocked gasp and froze completely. Hiccup saw this and is confused along with panicked. Why isn't he moving, or trying to grab him? D-Did he think what he did was pathetic, and his mind couldn't process the action yet? All thoughts left him as a familiar wetness could be felt on his left hand, making Hiccup stiffen up.

"N-No… No…." Hiccup gasped out as he looked down, not only seeing his hand slowly being covered with blood… but his knife is embedded into the Outcast's chest. Apparently while fiddling with the shield Hiccup placed his knife wielding hand on the top end of the shield, holding onto it to reduce the trembling. So, when the grapping rope pulled the teen in, the knife was pointed right at him and had enough momentum to stab through right where the heart was.

A new wave of panic went through the boy as he let go of the shield and knife, stepping back as he watched the Outcast slowly convulse. It looked almost as if his air way is cut off as he gagged and tried to stay on his feet. Yet, with more blood coming out of the knife wound the color from his face drained. Like a stack of bricks, the man fell down with a loud thud… unmoving. Time seemed to slowly pass as Hiccup could only watch the now corpse of the Outcast before him. Hiccup fell down on his rear and moving back on his hands… looking at the second person whom he had just killed.

"N-No… N-N-N-Not again… It-It wasn't my fault." The killing had been an accident as the teen wasn't trying to do that. It was a mistake, a slip of the hand… a hiccup!

He tried telling himself this but, no matter how the teen looked at the body, there was no excuse, he had killed again. Accident or not it still happened, for a moment he just sat there, unmoving and captivated by the corpse. He wasn't sure what to do, nor how to respond as the shock wouldn't leave him as many thoughts went through his mind. The other Outcasts and Berserkers will find this, and what would they think or do. Would they leave in fear? Or would they want to hunt him down? Most importantly what would his friends-

"The others!" Hiccup gasped as he realized that his friends are still in danger. If the enemy is on the island then there should be a huge amount, and if Hiccup didn't know they were here then they could get caught off guard. He needed to warn and help them in case they were in trouble. Once again, his body didn't respond, but just thinking about his friends in trouble enabled him to get up. Taking his eyes off the body he composed himself.

Yet he couldn't do it unarmed the way he was. Slowly he looked down at the body again, wincing as he saw his shield and dagger still on him. As much as he didn't want to, he needed them if he was going to help his friends yet looking at the weapons only brought that dread back. He couldn't do this, no he couldn't… But he had to help them, and the only way he could is if he is armed. Why did this have to happen? Why did he have to kill again? Still, In the end he knew what he had to do.

Kneeling down by the body, shaky hands reaching out, he grabbed his shield first, detaching the grappling rope first, as he wouldn't be able to unwrap it. Pulling it up he placed it behind his back and then looked down at his knife. His breathing staggered upon seeing it embedded in the man…unlike last time where he managed to still have it in his hand. He almost got sick upon staring at it causing him to swallow his bile back down. Closing his eyes, he took a few deep breaths to calm him. He then reached in for the knife and grasped the handle. With an audible grunt it came out with a sickening splat.

Keeping his eyes closed Hiccup rose to his feet, knife now trembling as he finally opened his eyes. All he could see is a blade sticky with blood. He almost wanted to drop and leave it be, but he managed to hold onto it. Once again, he took a few more deep breaths as his trembling hands held onto the weapon.

"This is for your friends… This is for your friends," he kept saying in his mind over and over again. The enemy is attacking them, and he needed to respond to it. He needed to warn his friends. If they were in trouble where they needed saving… Then he would have to do what it is Vikings do to help them… that is if he could.

"You should never resort to killing unless there is no other option." His father's words from before echoed in his mind, causing him to tighten the grip on the handle. All trembling stopped and the uneasiness started to fade.

"If… If things are bad… Then I guess I'll have no other option," Hiccup said to himself, lowering his hands.

Being as quick as possible he wiped the blade on the dead man's clothes, getting most of the blood off. Yet Hiccup would still see it every time he looked at the weapon. There were so many things going on in his mind, yet he pushed them to the side and placed the knife in his belt. Turning towards where the beach was, where he and the others landed, Hiccup carefully made the trek back. Uneasiness now replaced with determination as he needed to help his friend, and if they were in trouble, he would save them… By any means necessary.

Author's Note: Hope you like. Didn't see that coming did you? Well for what I have planned next Hiccup needed to experience it again, just so he can be already past the shock he's enduring. Now I'll do what I can to make sure you don't have to wait that long for the next chapter. Things will get better from here on out, I hope. I'm just trying my best now to get past this. Till next time.